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Thai

แต้ม

Pronunciation

tɛ̂ɛm

แต้ม

tɛ̂ɛm

point

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  1. 1 point、score
  2. 2 point(s) [unit of score]
  3. 3 dab、mark、apply in small spots

This word centers on the idea of a small point: a visible dot or mark, a point scored in a game, or the action of dabbing a small amount onto a specific spot.

1

point、score

Noun⭐️4 Often used

A point or score counted in a sport, game, competition, or rewards system.

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3

dab、mark、apply in small spots

Verb⭐️2 Not often used

To dab a small amount of medicine, cream, color, or another substance onto a particular spot.

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Learning notes

Explanation

The core image of แต้ม is a small point. From a visible dot or mark, its meaning extends to individual points added to a score and to the action of dabbing something onto a small area. Common score-related patterns include ได้สามแต้ม (“get three points”), ทำแต้ม (“score points”), and เก็บแต้ม (“earn or collect points”). For the verb “to score,” ทำแต้ม is normally safer and more natural than using แต้ม alone. Some dictionaries also list a sense related to tactics or strategic moves. It is not a broadly productive core meaning in everyday modern usage, so it is omitted here for learners.

Usage

It is common when discussing scores in sports, board games, and video games, as well as points earned through store loyalty programs. It is also used when dabbing medicine onto a wound or pimple and when adding a small spot of color or a mark to an object.

Caution

Do not generally replace คะแนน with แต้ม in expressions such as คะแนนสอบ (“exam score”) or คะแนนเสียง (“votes”). Also, use ทา rather than แต้ม when a substance is spread over a broad area instead of dabbed onto a particular spot.

Differences from similar words

1 point synonyms

3 dab synonyms

  • ทา is the general verb for spreading medicine, cream, or paint over an area. แต้ม means applying a small amount to one or more specific spots.

Component words

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